Exercise caution — there are real risks that travellers should plan around. Political freedoms are limited and travellers should be mindful of local sensitivities.
Regional breakdown
Most travellers arrive through Lilongwe, the capital, or Blantyre in the south. Both cities see regular reports of theft, burglary and armed robbery. Watch out for bag snatching in markets and car break-ins near hotels. Walking after dark is discouraged by local security advice, and travellers should use trusted taxis or hotel transport. Lake Malawi draws most holiday visitors, with resorts clustered around Cape Maclear, Nkhata Bay and Monkey Bay. These lakeside areas are generally quieter than the big cities, but opportunistic theft still happens at beach lodges and campsites. Bilharzia is present in the lake, so travellers should check with lodges about treated swimming zones. The northern region around Mzuzu and the southern highlands near Zomba and Mulanje are popular for hiking and wildlife. Roads in rural areas can be poor, especially in the rainy season from November to April. Fuel shortages have been reported in recent months. So drivers should plan refuelling stops carefully and carry spare supplies when heading into Liwonde or Nyika national parks.
Recent advisory changes
The official advisory guidance last updated its Malawi travel advice on 5 January 2026. The most recent change covered visa requirements for visitors. The official advisory guidance does not flag specific no-go zones inside Malawi right now. But it points travellers to its crime and political situation pages for day-to-day risks. travellers are told to research their destinations and carry full travel insurance. The official advisory guidance reissued its Malawi advisory on 25 February 2026 at Level 2, meaning travellers should exercise increased caution. The main reasons are violent crime and the risk of political demonstrations. The advisory warns that protests can involve tear gas and road blockages, and asks travellers to avoid crowds. There is no ordered departure in place, and the embassy in Lilongwe remains fully open.
What travellers should know
Cash is still king in much of Malawi. Card payments work in larger hotels and supermarkets, but rural areas rely on kwacha in cash. ATMs in Lilongwe and Blantyre can run dry, so withdraw what you need before heading out of town. Keep cash split between bags and a hotel low-risk, and avoid displaying phones or jewellery in public. Health cover matters here. Malaria is present across the country, so travellers should speak to a doctor about prophylaxis before flying. Medical facilities are limited outside the main cities, and serious cases often need evacuation to South Africa. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation. Register with official advisory guidance updates service or the US their home government's traveller alert programme programme before arrival, keep copies of your passport. And have a plan for leaving the country on your own if disruption occurs.